The College Catalogue

Level A Courses

Introductory Seminars

All introductory seminars are designed to provide an introduction to a particular aspect of government and legal studies. Students are encouraged to analyze and discuss important political concepts and issues, while developing research and writing skills.

Enrollment is limited to sixteen students in each seminar. First-year students are given first priority; sophomores are given second priority. For a description of the following introductory seminars, see the First-Year Seminar section.

10 {1030} b. The Pursuit of Peace. Fall 2012. Allen L. Springer.

11 {1037} b. The Korean War. Fall 2012. Christian P. Potholm.

[18 {1025} b. NGOs in Politics.]

[19 {1020} b. East Asian Politics: Introductory Seminar. (Same as Asian Studies 19 {1045}.)]

20 {1026} b. Global Media and Politics. Fall 2012. Henry C. W. Laurence.

[21 {1000} b. Citizenship and Representation in American Politics.]

25 {1001} b. Representation, Participation, and Power in American Politics. Fall 2012. Janet M. Martin.

26 {1011} b. Fundamental Questions: Exercises in Political Theory. Fall 2012. Jean M. Yarbrough.

27 {1002} b. Political Leadership. Fall 2012. Andrew C. Rudalevige.

28 {1012} b. Human Being and Citizen. Fall 2012. Paul N. Franco.

Introductory Lectures

These courses are intended for first-year students and sophomores. Others may take them only with the permission of the instructor.

120 {1400} b. Introduction to Comparative Government. Spring 2013. Laura A. Henry.

Provides a broad introduction to key concepts in comparative politics. Most generally, asks why states are governed differently, both historically and in contemporary politics. Begins by examining foundational texts, including works by Marx, Smith, and Weber. Surveys subfields within comparative politics (the state, regime types, nations and nationalism, party systems, development, and civil society) to familiarize students with major debates and questions.

150 {1100} b. Introduction to American Government. Fall 2012. Jeffrey S. Selinger. Spring 2013. Andrew C. Rudalevige.

Provides a comprehensive overview of the American political process. Specifically, traces the foundations of American government (the Constitution, federalism, civil rights, and civil liberties), its political institutions (Congress, Presidency, courts, and bureaucracy), and its electoral processes (elections, voting, and political parties). Also examines other influences, such as public opinion and the mass media, which fall outside the traditional institutional boundaries, but have an increasingly large effect on political outcomes.

160 {1600} b. Introduction to International Relations. Fall 2012. Marc R. Scarcelli.

Provides a broad introduction to the study of international relations. Designed to strike a balance between empirical and historical knowledge and the obligatory theoretical understanding and schools of thought in IR. Designed as an introductory course to familiarize students with no prior background in the subject, and recommended for first- and second-year students intending to take upper-level international relations courses.

Level B Courses

Level B courses are designed to introduce students to or extend their knowledge of a particular aspect of government and legal studies. The courses range from the more introductory to the more advanced. Students should consult the individual course descriptions regarding any prerequisites.

201 {2000} b. Law and Society. Spring 2013. Richard E. Morgan.

An examination of the American criminal justice system. Although primary focus is on the constitutional requirements bearing on criminal justice, attention is paid to conflicting strategies on crime control, to police and prison reform, and to the philosophical underpinnings of the criminal law.

202 {2005} b. The American Presidency. Spring 2013. Janet M. Martin.

An examination of the presidency in the American political system, including the “road to the White House” (party nomination process and role of the electoral college), advisory systems, the institutional presidency, relations with Congress and the courts, and decision-making in the White House. Drawing upon the instructor’s own research and a growing body of literature in this area, the role of women as advisors within the White House and executive branch, and influence of outside groups on the White House’s consideration of “women’s issues,” especially since 1960, are also discussed.

[203 {2055} b. Political Parties in the United States.]

204 {2010} b. Congress and the Policy Process. Fall 2012. Janet M. Martin.

An examination of the United States Congress, with a focus on members, leaders, constituent relations, the congressional role in the policy-making process, congressional procedures and their impact on policy outcomes, the budget process, and executive-congressional relations.

205 {2060} b. Campaigns and Elections. Fall 2012. Andrew C. Rudalevige.

Addresses current theories and controversies concerning political campaigns and elections in the United States. Takes advantage of the fact that the class meets during the heart of the 2012 presidential and congressional campaigns. Uses concepts from the political science literature on elections to explore general trends in electoral choice at the legislative and presidential level. Students will be expected to follow journalistic accounts of the fall campaigns closely. A second set of readings introduces political science literature on campaigns and elections. These readings touch upon a wide range of themes, including voting behavior (e.g., economic voting and issue voting), campaign finance, media strategy, the role of incumbency, presidential primaries, the Electoral College, and trends in partisan realignment.

[206 {2030} b. Public Policy in the United States.]

207 {2900} b. Building Healthy Communities. Spring 2014. DeWitt John.

Examines efforts by communities and regions to build strong local economies, safeguard important environmental values, protect public health, and address issues of economic and social justice. In many communities, metropolitan areas, and rural regions, state and local government officials work with other leaders to set ambitious goals for economic and environmental sustainability and to develop specific plans for sustainable development. These efforts cross political, institutional, and sectoral barriers, thus challenging and sometimes re-shaping state and local politics as well as American federalism. Examines how local leaders can work in complex settings to set goals and mobilize federal, private, and nonprofit resources to achieve specific, cross-cutting objectives. (Same as Environmental Studies 207 {2301}.)

Prerequisite: One course in environmental studies or government.

210 {2020} b. Constitutional Law I. Every fall. Fall 2012. Richard E. Morgan.

Examines the development of American constitutionalism, the power of judicial review, federalism, and separation of powers.

211 {2021} b. Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties. Every spring. Spring 2013. Richard E. Morgan.

Examines questions arising under the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

Prerequisite: Government 210.

215 {2015} b. Public Administration. Spring 2013. Andrew C. Rudalevige.

We deal with public organizations every day—nearly 15 percent of the United States workforce operates within one—addressing concerns ranging from playground safety to the prevention of international terrorism. Explores how and why this vital part of government works the way it does in the American political context. What do public organizations do? How well do they do it? How are they (and how might they be) managed? How do they distribute resources, and under what constraints? How are they similar to or different from their private sector counterparts? Is “red tape” always a bad thing? Considering these questions, examines a variety of real-world cases; these might include the Cuban Missile Crisis, the response to Hurricane Katrina, or the implementation of No Child Left Behind. Underlying discussion will be the perpetual difficulty in reconciling organizational efficiency with democratic accountability.

216 {2035} b. Maine Politics. Fall 2012. Christian P. Potholm.

An analysis of politics in the state of Maine since World War II. Subjects covered include the dynamics of Republican and Democratic rivalries and the efficacy of the Independent voter, the rise of the Green and Reform parties, the growing importance of ballot measure initiatives, and the interaction of ethnicity and politics in the Pine Tree State. An analysis of key precincts and Maine voting paradigms is included, as well as a look at the efficacy of such phenomena as the north/south geographic split, the environmental movement, and the impact of such interest groups as SAM, the Tea Party, and the Roman Catholic Church. Students are expected to follow contemporary political events on a regular basis.

[219 {2940} c. Education and Law. (Same as Education 250 {2250}.)]

220 {2570} b. The Politics of Development: Poverty, Prosperity, and Political Change. Fall 2012. Ericka A. Albaugh.

Examines the meaning of development from economic and political perspectives. Considers various theories and practices of development that have been applied to newly independent states in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Investigates why trajectories of economic growth and political stability have been so uneven in different regions of the world. Incorporates views from both external and internal actors on issues such as foreign aid, multilateral institutions, good governance, and democratic participation.

[221 {2408} b. Division and Consensus: The Government and Politics of Ireland.]

222 {2530} b - IP. Politics and Societies in Africa. Fall 2012. Ericka A. Albaugh.

Surveys societies and politics in sub-Saharan Africa, seeking to understand the sources of current conditions and the prospects for political stability and economic growth. Looks briefly at pre-colonial society and colonial influence on state-construction in Africa, and concentrates on three broad phases in Africa’s contemporary political development: (1) independence and consolidation of authoritarian rule; (2) economic decline and challenges to authoritarianism; (3) democratization and civil conflict. Presumes no prior knowledge of the region. (Same as Africana Studies 222 {2530}.)

[224 {2400} b. West European Politics.]

[225 {2500} b - IP. The Politics of the European Union.]

[226 {2520} b. Government and Politics of the Middle East.]

227 {2440} b - IP. Contemporary Chinese Politics. Fall 2012. Christopher Heurlin.

Examines Chinese politics in the context of a prolonged revolution. After a survey of the political system as established in the 1950s and patterns of politics emerging from it, the analytic focus turns to political change in the reform era (since 1979) and the forces driving it. Topics include the political impact of decentralization and marketization, the reintegration into the capitalist world economy, and the development of the legal system. The adaptation by the Communist Party to these changes and the prospects of democratization are also examined. (Same as Asian Studies 227 {2060}.)

230 {2410} b. Post-Communist Russian Politics and Society. Fall 2012. Laura A. Henry.

Explores the most dramatic political event of the twentieth century: the collapse of Soviet communism and Russia’s subsequent political development. Begins by examining the Soviet system and the political and social upheaval of the late Soviet period. Proceeds to investigate the challenges of contemporary Russian politics, including the semi-authoritarian regime, the challenges of sustainable economic growth and modernization, the demographic crisis, the loss of superpower status, and the search for a role in international politics. Comparisons will be made with other countries in the post-Communist region.

231 {2486} b - IP. The Politics of Dictatorship: Authoritarian Resilience and Democratization. Fall 2012. Christopher Heurlin.

Despite the end of the Cold War, dictatorship has persisted—even thrived. At least 40 percent of states in the world remain authoritarian. Introduces students to the social and political logic of dictatorship. Explores questions such as: Where do dictatorships come from? Why might people support dictatorships? What effect does dictatorship have on political, economic, and social outcomes? How do dictatorships differ from one another? Why are some dictatorships resilient and stand the test of time while some quickly collapse? When dictatorships collapse, why are some dictatorships replaced by other dictatorships, while others democratize? Concentrates on the post-World War II era and explores the dynamics of dictatorship in regions throughout the world, including the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

232 {2450} b - ESD, IP. Japanese Politics and Society. Fall 2012. Henry C. W. Laurence.

Comprehensive overview of modern Japanese politics in historical, social, and cultural context. Analyzes the electoral dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party, the nature of democratic politics, and the rise and fall of the economy. Other topics include the status of women and ethnic minorities, education, war guilt, nationalism, and the role of the media. (Same as Asian Studies 282 {2320}.)

233 {2580} b. Advanced Comparative Politics: Government, War, and Society. Every spring. Spring 2013. Christian P. Potholm.

An examination of the forces and processes by which governments and societies approach and wage or avoid wars. The theories and practices of warfare of various political systems will be analyzed and particular attention will be paid to the interface where politics, society, and the military come together under governmental auspices in various comparative contexts. Specific examples from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America are examined.

234 {2545} b - IP. Politics in East Asia. Spring 2013. Henry C. W. Laurence.

A broad survey of political systems across East Asia, including China, Japan, and North and South Korea. Central topics include twentieth-century political development, democratization, human rights, and the political roles of women. Also examines current international relations in the region. (Same as Asian Studies 234 {2821}.)

235 {2484} b - IP. Comparative Environmental Politics. Fall 2012. Laura A. Henry.

Examines environmental politics from a comparative perspective, drawing on case material from the United States, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Asks why, despite the fact that many contemporary environmental problems are shared globally, states develop different environmental policies. Readings cover issues ranging from forest conservation to climate policy and consider explanatory factors such as type of political regime, level of economic development, activism by citizens, and culture and values. (Same as Environmental Studies 236 {2306}.)

[236 {2578} b. Global Media and Politics.]

237 {2572} b - ESD. The Politics of Ethnicity: Construction and Mobilization of Ethnic Identity Claims. Spring 2013. Ericka A. Albaugh.

Ethnicity is a crucial dividing line in most societies. Examines what ethnicity is, when it is mobilized peacefully and when it ignites violence, and what political tools exist to moderate these conflicts. Explores first the various definitions of ethnicity and theories of ethnic identity formation; then studies the different explanations for why ethnic divisions inspire conflict within societies and evaluates possible means of mitigating violence. Draws on case studies from around the world, particularly those in Africa and Asia.

239 {2480} b. Comparative Constitutional Law. Fall 2012. George S. Isaacson.

A comparative examination of constitutional principles and constitutional processes in democratic and non-democratic countries. Explores the roles that constitutions play in shaping civil society and defining the relationship between governments and the people they govern. Compares American constitutional law with that of other nations to scrutinize alternative models of governance, and to gain new perspectives regarding the legal foundations for the protection of individual rights. Special attention given to the constitutions of Canada, India, Germany, South Africa, Israel, and the People’s Republic of China, along with that of the United States. Structural issues include consideration of executive-legislative separation of powers, constitutional courts, federalism, and church-state relations. Discusses arguments in favor of and against a written Bill of Rights, as well as such specific issues as emergency powers, political dissent, hate speech, religious belief, reproductive choice, racial and gender discrimination, public welfare, privacy, and police investigative authority.

240 {2200} b. Classical Political Philosophy. Fall 2012. Jean M. Yarbrough.

A survey of classical political philosophy focusing on selected dialogues of Plato, the political writings of Aristotle, and St. Augustine’s City of God. Examines ancient Greek and early Christian reflections on human nature, justice, the best regime, the relationship of the individual to the political community, the relationship of philosophy to politics, and the tension between reason and revelation.

241 {2210} b. Modern Political Philosophy. Spring 2013. Paul N. Franco.

A survey of modern political philosophy from Machiavelli to Mill. Examines the overthrow of the classical horizon, the movement of human will and freedom to the center of political thought, the idea of the social contract, the origin and meaning of rights, the relationship between freedom and equality, the role of democracy, and the replacement of nature by history as the source of human meaning. Authors may include Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Hume, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, and Mill.

[243 {2800} b. Might and Right among Nations.]

244 {2220} b. Liberalism and Its Critics. Fall 2012. Paul N. Franco.

An examination of liberal democratic doctrine and of religious, cultural, and radical criticisms of it in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Authors may include Locke, Kant, Burke, Tocqueville, Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche.

[245 {2260} b. Contemporary Political Philosophy.]

[246 {2270} b. Religion and Politics.]

249 {2280} b. Eros and Politics. Spring 2013. Jean M. Yarbrough.

What and whom do we love? Do we seek “another self” or someone to complement our natures? Is there something other than human beings that we love? The Good, God, or some other principle? How do the answers to these questions affect our views of politics and justice? Readings include Plato’s Symposium; the Bible; Shakespeare; Rousseau’s Emile; Tocqueville; and contemporary thinkers.

250 {2230} b. American Political Thought. Spring 2013. Jean M. Yarbrough.

Examines the political thought of American statesmen and writers from the founding to the twentieth century, with special emphasis on three pivotal moments: the Founding, the Crisis of the House Divided, and the growth of the modern welfare state. Readings include the Federalist Papers, the Anti-federalists, Jefferson and Hamilton, Calhoun, Lincoln, William Graham Sumner, the Progressives, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and contemporary thinkers on both the right and the left.

[255 {2080} b. Quantitative Analysis in Political Science.]

260 {2600} b. International Law. Fall 2012. Allen L. Springer.

The modern state system, the role of law in its operation, the principles and practices that have developed, and the problems involved in their application.

[263 {2615} b. International Environmental Policy. (Same as Environmental Studies 263 {2308}.)]

264 {2920} b. Sustainability, Energy, and Climate Change. Spring 2013. DeWitt John.

Global efforts to address climate change have made little progress, and there is strong resistance to federal action in the United States. Why? What approaches might work better? Many environmentalists call for fundamental economic and cultural change, but others are working with corporations on “sustainability,” and some favor “bottom-up” community action. Explores whether new approaches might be more effective for specific issues such as cars and “smart cities”; coal, shale gas, and renewable fuels; energy-efficient buildings; food; and individual understanding of and commitment to protecting the environment. (Same as Environmental Studies 264 {2309}.)

Prerequisite: One course in environmental studies or government, or permission of the instructor.

[268 {2576} b. Bridging Divisions: Ethnonational Conflict Regulation.]

269 {2689} b - IP. Environmental Security. Spring 2013. Marc R. Scarcelli.

Focuses on problems which, by their very nature, transcend international boundaries. Views environmental insecurity as resulting from neo-Malthusian causes, climate change, flawed policies, or new technological advances. Emphasizes interdependence, collective goods, and the contrasts between wealthy and poor populations where environmental insecurity is concerned. Specific topics include overpopulation, displaced populations, health pandemics, food security, climate change, energy, resource scarcity, water security, and collapsing fish stocks at sea, as well as the roles of consumers, producers, MNCs, and NGOs. (Same as Environmental Studies 269 {2369}.)

270 {2670} b. United States Foreign Policy. Spring 2013 Marc R. Scarcelli.

Examines the development and conduct of United States foreign policy. Analyzes the impact of intragovernmental rivalries, the media, public opinion, and interest groups on the policy-making process, and provides case studies of contemporary foreign policy issues.

272 {2540} b. United States-China Relations. Spring 2013. Christopher Heurlin.

Examines the development of United States relations with China. Begins with a brief historical examination of the Opium War, then examines United States policy towards the Nationalists and the Communists during the Chinese Civil War. In the aftermath of the civil war and subsequent revolution, the role of China in the Cold War will be discussed. Then focuses on more contemporary issues in United States-China relations, drawing links between the domestic politics of both countries and how they influence the formulation of foreign policy. Contemporary issues addressed include human rights, trade, the Taiwanese independence movement, nationalism, and China’s growing economic influence in the world. (Same as Asian Studies 265 {2061}.)

[273 {2525} b - IP. War, Government, and Politics in Iraq.]

[275 {2574} b. Rioters, Rebels, and Revolutionaries: Contentious Politics.]

279 {2683} b. Terrorism. Fall 2012. Marc R. Scarcelli.

An in-depth study of the problem of terrorism, including its definition, historical origins and development, specific cases of terrorist organizations, its expansion into a global phenomenon, tactics and strategies, and the question of causes, as well as the issues surrounding counterterrorism’s tactics, strategies, and policy dilemmas.

[283 {2482} b. Social Movements and Popular Protest.]

[284 {2930} b. The Politics of the Family.]

291–294 {2970–2973} b. Intermediate Independent Study in Government and Legal Studies. The Department.

299 {2999} b. Intermediate Collaborative Study in Government and Legal Studies. The Department.

Level C Courses

Level C courses provide seniors and juniors with appropriate background the opportunity to do advanced work within a specific subfield. Enrollment is limited to fifteen students in each seminar. Priority is given to senior majors, then junior majors, particularly those with a concentration in the subfield. Sophomores may enroll with permission of the instructor. These courses are not open to first-year students.

303 {3000} b. The Law and Politics of Freedom of Speech. Fall 2012. Richard E. Morgan.

While focusing primarily on American material, students have the option of choosing speech controversies in other polities as the subject of their seminar papers.

304 {3010} b. Advanced Seminar in American Politics: Presidential-Congressional Relations. Spring 2013. Janet M. Martin.

Examines presidential-congressional relations through a number of perspectives, including use of historical, quantitative, and institutional analyses. Readings consider the relationship between the executive branch and Congress in both the domestic arena (including regulatory and budgetary policy) and in the area of foreign and defense policy.

[308 {3020} b. Money and Politics.]

309 {3030} b. American Political Development. Spring 2013. Jeffrey S. Selinger.

Examines how the United States developed from a modest, agrarian republic into a “modern,” mass democracy. How have the forces often associated with the process of modernization (e.g., the expansion of commerce and new media, the growth of industry, the rise of a welfare and regulatory state) changed the shape of America’s representative institutions and the nature of American political culture? Readings focus on the development of the electoral system, the emergence of a “modern” bureaucratic establishment, and the rise of the presidency as the focal point of party politics. Discussion will examine how these and other developments have shaped America’s liberal democratic values and transformed its political institutions.

[321 {3500} b. Social Protest and Political Change.]

324 {3510} b. Post-Communist Pathways. Spring 2013. Laura A. Henry.

Explores growing political, economic, and cultural diversity within the post-communist region after the enforced homogeneity of the Communist era. Considers the essential features of Communism and asks why these systems collapsed, before examining more recent developments. What are the factors promoting growing variation in the region? Why have some post-communist states joined the European Union, while others appear mired in authoritarianism? Do the institutional and cultural legacies of Communism influence contemporary politics? More than twenty years after the collapse of Communist regimes in East Central Europe and the Soviet Union, is “post-communism” still a useful concept for social scientists? Examines contemporary scholarship on the sources of change and continuity in the region and offers students the opportunity to undertake individual research projects.

325 {3520} b. State-Building in Comparative Perspective. Spring 2013. Ericka A. Albaugh.

States form the foundation of modern politics. Comparative government explores their variation; international relations examine their interaction. States can be instruments of oppression or engines of progress, and recent scholarship has focused on their strength, weakness, and failure. This capstone course explores the processes that produced the early modern state in Europe, then looks at more recent attempts to replicate state development in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The role of war in state formation and the subject of citizenship receive particular attention.

[327 {3530} b. Political Development in the West.]

[330 {3540} b. Ending Civil Wars.]

332 {3400} b. Advanced Seminar in Japanese Politics. Spring 2014. Henry C. W. Laurence.

Analyzes the political, social, and cultural underpinnings of modern politics, and asks how democracy works in Japan compared with other countries. Explores how Japan has achieved stunning material prosperity while maintaining among the best health care and education systems in the world, high levels of income equality, and low levels of crime. Students are also instructed in conducting independent research on topics of their own choosing. (Same as Asian Studies 332 {3300}.)

Prerequisite: Asian Studies 282 (same as Government 232).

333 {3410} b. Advanced Seminar in Chinese Politics. Spring 2013. Christopher Heurlin.

Seminar. Asks the question: Why was China not only able to survive the collapse of international communism after the Cold War but become an economic superpower? Drawing on evidence from the past twenty years, examines the sources of strength and fragility in the regime. Areas of focus include elite politics and the Communist Party, reform of the state-owned sector, the rise of private entrepreneurs, social protest, religion, and corruption. Class is discussion-based and assignments include short writing responses and a research paper. (Same as Asian Studies 333 {3060}.)

336 {3560} b. Advanced Seminar in Comparative Political Economy. Spring 2013. Henry Laurence.

Studies the relationship between governments and markets in policy areas including health care, education, social welfare and income inequality, media regulation, financial markets, economic growth and employment, etc. Focuses on advanced industrial democracies including the United Kingdom, United States, and Japan.

Prerequisite: Two classes in comparative politics from: Government 18–20, 23, 120, 220–222, 224–239, 261, 268, 272–275, 283, 321, 324, 325, 327, 330, 332, 333, and 337.

[337 {3550} b. Advanced Seminar in Democracy and Development in Asia. (Same as Asian Studies 337 {3810}.)]

[341 {3200} b. Advanced Seminar in Political Theory: Tocqueville.]

[342 {3210} b. Advanced Seminar in Political Theory: Jean-Jacques Rousseau.]

346 {3220} b. Nietzsche. Spring 2013. Paul N. Franco.

An examination of the broad range of Nietzsche’s thought with a special view to its moral and political implications. Readings include Nietzsche’s major works, including Thus Spoke Zarathustra. May also consider various twentieth-century interpretations and appropriations of Nietzsche’s philosophy.

361 {3600} b. Advanced Seminar in International Relations: Conflict Simulation and Conflict Resolution. Spring 2013. Christian P. Potholm.

An upper-level interdisciplinary seminar on the nature of both international and national conflict. A variety of contexts and influence vectors are examined and students are encouraged to look at the ways conflicts can be solved short of actual warfare, as well as by it.

363 {3610} b. Advanced Seminar in International Relations: Law, Politics, and the Search for Justice. Spring 2013. Allen L. Springer.

Examines the complex relationship between law and policy in international relations by focusing on two important and rapidly developing areas of international concern: environmental protection and humanitarian rights. Fulfills the environmental studies senior seminar requirement. (Same as Environmental Studies 363 {3963}.)

[393 {3900} c. Religious Culture and Politics in Southeast Asia. (Same as Asian Studies 344 {3550} and Religion 344 {3344}.)]

395 {3910} b. Advanced Seminar in Environmental Policy and Politics. Spring 2014. DeWitt John.

For forty years, environmental policy in the United States has focused on government regulation. In the last few years, many large corporations, financial and business consulting firms have embraced “sustainability,” saying they seek to protect the environment and ensure social justice as well as making profits. Several respected environmental groups are working closely with these businesses, but others are very skeptical. The Environmental Protection Agency is considering whether to set its goal as sustainability and cooperate with corporations in working for this goal. Suggests lessons about the capacity of governments, businesses, non-profit, and individuals to deal effectively with complex environmental problems like climate change and the depletion of scarce natural resources. Emphasizes what is happening in the United States but also studies experiences in other nations and globally. (Same as Environmental Studies 395 {3995}.)

Prerequisite: One course in environmental studies or government, or permission of the instructor.

401–404 {4000–4003} b. Advanced Independent Study and Honors in Government and Legal Studies. The Department.

405 {4029} b. Advanced Collaborative Study in Government and Legal Studies. The Department.